Look out for limousines because Vancouver is the diplomatic capital of Canada until Friday.
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's protocol office is hosting 100 foreign ambassadors and Commonwealth high commissioners at its 12th annual Diplomatic Forum, beginning Tuesday. A DFAIT spokesperson said the event is in Vancouver for the first time as a "curtain-raiser" for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Ireland's ambassador to Canada Declan Kelly said at a Saturday night reception that the agenda would focus on the Olympics and trade.
About half the heads of mission will be joined by their spouses who will participate in separate cultural, historic and social development activities. Heads of mission are expected to pay their own travel and accommodation and an undisclosed "modest registration fee," according to DFAIT.
DFAIT is part of the Games' protocol coordination committee which will take over the Coal Harbour community centre from January through March.
